The Next weekend I will be in Exeter on Sunday 12th July for UNITY which is a family centric fun day for adults and children alike. This includes the involvement of the Southern troopers, a Star Wars sci-fi costuming group, an array of Star Wars costumers who help raise money for charity, Exewing Fund raisers and their UNIT boot camp, a bouncy castle, face painting for the kids, & adults alike if you want! Plus Much more!

This is to support the Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF), for more information, to donate or to support the charity yourself check here:
www.elfcharity.org.uk/

Okay so I was back from this years Bristol Comic Expo. The 1st show I ever went to as a fan and eventually as an industry insider.

So what do I think?  I thought it was great.  It was definatley busier than last time, and although I did not hang around for the Sunday last year. This year there were decent numbers on this day, which is a one of the difficult things for any 2 day show.

The Saturday started with being asked to draw a Slag.  A Dinobot Slag that is, after all this was a comiccon!  From there the requests came thick and fast & a nice mix they were too.  Optimus Prime, Game of Thrones, Loki, Hellcat, Wolverine, Deadpool, Quentin Quire, a nice mix indeed.

There of course was a tricky one, there always is. Iron Man, Full Colour, but within his latest movie garb.  Now Iron Man's not a problem but have you seen the level of tech on his new armour?

Yep Tricky.

It worked out just fine though.

Normally at a show I would be locked behind the table for the full weekend.  This time however I was asked to join a panel on Nostalgia in Comics and quite interesting it was too.  I was joined with my good pal's John-Paul Bove & Liam Shalloo for the talk.  We had a few laughs and all found it far deeper than we expected.  The last contributer made the greatest observation. Wether Nostalgia will actually disapear.  As with this internet age, nothing truley disapears and everything is accessable.  So we never really have time to miss or remaniss about anything anymore.  As it is always there, readily available.

Overall this was a good show.  Not as busy or as intense as the larger shows.  But it did have a nice feel to it.  People had time to chat, get sketches, and have a browse around, without being overwhelmed.  I like the direction it is heading and personally think they did a great job.

Long live Bristol Expo!

This time last week I was preparing for AA.  No not Alcoholics Anonymous (he says every time) but Auto Assembly.  The UK's premier Transformers Convention.  Case, check, Prints, check, Sketch paper, check, Alcohol, check.  Well the bar is mighty expensive!

Yes it is the AA convention where you pack your own alcohol.  Then again what do you expect when you hold a convention at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel.  I am not quite sure if the Hotel staff quite knew what to expect.  Hundreds of Transformers fans descended upon them for the 3 day event.  From the 9th August to the 11th, the Business class and pilots suits disappeared under a rainbow of assorted Transformers T-shirts.  With the occasional cosplay Optimus Prime waiting for service at the bar.

The event proper, started at 11.00 on the saturday morning where (us guests) had to do the walk of shame.  Yes I do cringe each time.  Then I think the organisers like that.  Waiting out back to discover what theme music you will be walking out to.  I was under threat of "Im a love man" by Otis Reading.  Though to my great relief, it was simply the Cantana music from the Star Wars bar. (Im sensing a theme here)


Once settled in I soon found I became booked up for sketches on the Saturday, for the entire weekend.  I think a pre-sketch list may be a good idea for any future events!


My highlight of the weekend came on the Saturday night.  Where the Cosplayers came out to play.  The incredible opulent surroundings served all those crazy fools well.  Not only did they come out in force, but also in high quality too. With so many good costumes the judges made a wise desicon and served an excellent curve-ball by announcing the winner to be the swarm of scraplets.  (You really have to see it to understand.:)

The great thing I find about Auto Assembly is the atmosphere. I do a lot of big commercial shows. With a lot of money behind them. The difference with AA is the family feel. Everyone that comes together, thats works so hard by giving their time up to create something great. This show does not have big money backers, but instead a lot of people with a lot of heart who enjoy their hobby.  Everyone that is involved, the organisers, volunteers, fans, collectors, and even the guests. All play a small in making the show what it is.

A whole lot of fun.

As the Transfans say "Till all are one"